Optimal hedging level, minimum-risk hedging level, and hedging effectiveness are defined in a manner consistent with portfolio theory and used to analyze hedging potential in cattle feeding. Estimated upper limits on optimal hedging levels ranged from 0.56 to 0.88 unit of short futures per unit of four types of slaughter cattle produced at five locations. When futures trading costs are taken into account, optimal hedging levels are depressed below these limits, depending upon the resource availabilities and profit expectations of individual firms. Location, grade, and sex of the cattle fed have small effects on optimal hedging levels and hedging effectiveness.